[Swordmaker]

If it has to be replaced, anything I should make sure the new Mac has? Should I replace it with 17 vs 15?

My thoughts: Don't buy memory upgrades from Apple. Too expensive. Buy a minimal RAM configuration using one socket if you can and then upgrade with Crucial or other top line RAM supplier.

I would not upgrade to a 17" laptop... I have enough trouble toting around the weight of my 15"! I know they are lighter now, but a 17 is always at least one pound heavier than a 15" and after schlepping one around an airport in a hurry to catch a connecting flight, that pound gets heavier and heavier... at my age, I would seriously be considering the 13"... it's a pound lighter than the 15"

[VicVega]

I’m always trying to lighten the load of my backpack. Never seems to work. LOL

Great advice on upgrading RAM outside of MAC. Will ask supplier here what is recommended.

[Mr. Jeeves]

...at my age, I would seriously be considering the 13"... it's a pound lighter than the 15".

For travel, you really need the MacBook Air. I dragged mine all over Asia recently - it worked beautifully, and my shoulders thanked me!

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

"My thoughts: Don't buy memory upgrades from Apple. Too expensive. Buy a minimal RAM configuration using one socket if you can and then upgrade with Crucial or other top line RAM supplier."

I recently found, to my surprise, that this is not always true. Specifically, last time I checked (a couple weeks ago), getting a top-of-the-line MacBook Pro fully-stuffed with RAM was actually a little less costly through Apple than going third party. So your mileage might vary. The fact that Vic is in Asia might add a wrinkle or two. Anyway, this one point usually tracks Swordmaker's recommendation, but there are exceptions. They probably vary from day to day. One thing is certain: it is very easy to upgrade the RAM if you choose that route.

I agree with Swordmaker's comments about the 17. Just too big. BUT: the extra hour of battery life is tempting. And that ginormous screen is indeed glorious. If you're suitably muscular, it might be livable. (Keep in mind the 17 doesn't fit many computer bags.) Just make sure you've given OS X's Spaces feature (multiple desktops) enough of a workout before your decision to be sure you really need more desktop real-estate. Spaces is freakin' wonderful.

As Swordmaker points out, the 13" might be great for you. The 15" has more processor oomph, though, and accommodates more RAM. Depending on your usage, that may or may not be an issue. Any of the current Mac laptops will be a significant upgrade over your (and my) 3-year-old unit. One hint: think RAM.